Synchronization for multi-directional ultrasound scanning

Abstract

Multi-directional ultrasound scanning (44, 50) is synchronized (46). A plurality of wobbler arrays (12, 16) are used sequentially. To limit artifacts caused by motion, the sequential operation is synchronized (46). While a first wobbler array is scanning (44), a second wobbler array is moving or active. Once the first wobbler array completes a scan or portion of the scan, the second wobbler array begins the scan (50) without waiting for initiation of the wobbling. The position of the second array may alternatively or additionally be synchronized with the first array or the end of the scan of the first array. The data from the different scans may represent overlapping volumes, so may be combined (52) to form an extended field of view.

Description

technical field [0001] This embodiment involves ultrasound scanning. In particular, these embodiments relate to scanning in different directions. Background technique [0002] Traditional ultrasonography is performed using a single hand-held transducer. A transducer acquires planar information within a field of view (FOV) limited by the design of the transducer. There are many clinical applications, including fetal imaging, for which this method does not enable visualization of the entire anatomical structure of interest. Instead, multiple independent observations are often required to fully visualize the anatomy of interest. The sonographer moves the handheld transducer to different locations and acquires data independently at each location. Separate images are generated from the data acquired at each location. [0003] Volumetric information can be obtained with the aid of a hand-held transducer. For example, a wobble transducer moves the array mechanically for elect...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, the FOV is also limited by the transducer design, so the entire anatomy of interest cannot be observed

Transducers may be positioned at other locations for scanning other areas, but movement of the fetus or within an area may make it difficult to compare images from different scans

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